Bean Roasting Apparatus Image Capture via Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bean roasting processes require manual observation of color, smell, and sound, making it difficult to precisely control roasting quality and duplicate flavors, and existing camera systems in roasters are prone to damage from high temperatures and struggle to capture clear images in real-time.
Innovation Solution
A bean roasting apparatus with an integrated image capturing assembly, including a reflective surface and a light emitting device, that captures images through an observation opening without direct exposure to high temperatures, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of roasting status, and can be connected to electronic devices for automated parameter adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera equipment is installed inside the bean roaster to monitor the roasting process, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but the camera equipment is likely to be damaged due to high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into two separate components: a camera positioned outside the roasting chamber to avoid high temperature damage, and a reflective surface (mirror) positioned inside to capture images of the beans. This segmentation allows the camera to operate in a safe temperature zone while still achieving real-time monitoring through optical reflection.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflective surface (mirror) is introduced as an intermediary element between the beans and the camera. The mirror captures light reflected from the beans and redirects it to the camera, enabling indirect observation without exposing the camera to the high-temperature roasting environment. This intermediary solves the contradiction by decoupling the monitoring function from the harsh thermal conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the user scoops out beans to observe color with naked eye, then direct visual observation is achieved, but the roasting process is interrupted and real-time status cannot be reflected
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical action of scooping out beans for observation is replaced by an optical system consisting of a camera and reflective surface. This substitution eliminates the need to physically remove beans from the roasting chamber, allowing continuous monitoring through image capture while the roasting process proceeds uninterrupted. The optical field replaces the mechanical sampling approach.
3Measurement precision
If camera equipment is installed in the roaster, then monitoring function is added, but the device complexity increases and coordination between devices becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into simple, independent components: a standard camera positioned outside the roaster, a reflective surface inside the roaster, and basic control electronics. This segmentation avoids the need for complex integrated systems, making the components easier to coordinate and control separately while achieving the monitoring function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise control of roasting time and quality, prolongs the lifespan of camera equipment by preventing damage from high temperatures, and allows for real-time monitoring of bean roasting status, facilitating automation and consistent flavor reproduction.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitting device includes at least one light emitting diode or light bulb
Implementation Method 2
a reflective surface which is disposed within a capturing scope of the at least one image capturing device and is tilted to face the at least one image capturing device and the observation opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A bean roasting apparatus with a stirring barrel body, a receiving structure and an image capturing assembly is provided. The stirring barrel body has an opening. The receiving structure has a bean-through opening and an observation opening. The image capturing assembly has at least one image capturing device and a reflective surface which is disposed in the capturing scope of the at least one image capturing device and is tilted facing the at least one image capturing device and the observation opening. Therefore, the at least one image capturing device can capture an image inside the receiving structure through the reflective surface and the observation opening. Another bean roasting apparatus with an image capturing assembly is provided, wherein at least one image capturing device of the image capturing assembly can capture an image inside the receiving structure through the observation opening directly.